When break-ins tick up and residents start showing up to board meetings worried, the pressure to “do something about security” lands squarely on the HOA board. Hiring a security company is a smart move — but only if you ask the right questions first. Here’s what every board should cover before signing.
1. Will we get the same guards every shift?
This is the big one. The fastest way to lose resident trust is a different stranger patrolling every week. Ask whether the company assigns a dedicated team to your property. (Equitab does — the same trusted faces residents recognize.)
2. Are the guards licensed and insured?
In California, guards must hold a valid BSIS Guard Registration Card, and the company must hold a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license. Confirm both, and ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Equitab operates under CA PPO #122672 with full coverage.
3. How fast can they actually start?
Some firms take weeks to onboard. Ask for a real deployment timeline. Equitab typically has officers on-site within 24–48 hours.
4. What do we get in writing each month?
You’ll want daily activity reports and documented incident reports you can bring to the board and your insurer. If a company can’t produce clear documentation, that’s a red flag.
5. Who do we call when something goes wrong?
With national firms, you often get a rotating account manager. Ask who picks up at 2 a.m. With Equitab, you reach the owner directly.
6. Armed or unarmed for our community?
Most communities are best served by highly visible unarmed patrols. A good partner recommends honestly based on your risk — not the most expensive option.
A security contract is only as good as the accountability behind it. Hire the company that answers the phone and sends the same team every shift.
Protecting a community? Call Equitab at (510) 833-5043 or request a free assessment. You’ll talk to the owner, not a sales rep.